Position based WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) management

ABSTRACT

Position based WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) management. Based on either the relative position or the specific location of devices within a WPAN, communication between the various devices is managed by grouping the devices into two or more groups. In addition, the communication between theses various devices may be governed by profiles assigned to the groups (or even the actual individual devices) that are assigned based on their locations within the WPAN. The relative locations of the devices may be made using ranging that is performed by transmitting UWB (Ultra Wide Band) pulses between the various devices within the WPAN. Alternatively, each device may include GPS (Global Positioning System) functionality and information corresponding to the specific locations of the devices may be communicated between the devices, and that information may be used to group devices user and/or assign profiles to govern the communication to and from the devices.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS/PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present U.S. Utility Patent Application claims priority pursuant to35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applicationwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety andmade part of the present U.S. Utility Patent Application for allpurposes:

-   -   1. U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/472,336, entitled        “Position based WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network)        management,” filed May 21, 2003 (May 21, 2003), pending.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The invention relates generally to communication systems; and, moreparticularly, it relates to managing communications within suchcommunication systems.

2. Description of Related Art

Data communication systems have been under continual development formany years. In recent years, the development of piconet typecommunication systems has been under increasing development. A piconetmay be viewed as a network that is established when two devices connectto support communication of data between themselves. Sometimes, piconetsare referred to as PANs (Personal Area Networks). These piconetstypically operate within a region having a radius of up to approximately10 meters.

As is known, the Bluetooth® communication standard is the first such PANcommunication standard that has been developed. In accordance with theBluetooth® communication standard, the communication between the variousdevices in such a piconet is strictly performed using an M/S(Master/Slave) configuration. Each of the devices within such aBluetooth® piconet is M/S capable. Typically one of the devices(sometimes referred to as piconet controller in this situation), or afirst device within the Bluetooth® piconet, transmits a beacon signal(or an access invitation signal) while operating as the “master” deviceof the Bluetooth® piconet to the other “slave” devices of the Bluetooth®piconet. In other words, the “master” device of the Bluetooth® piconetpolls the other “slave” devices to get them to respond.

However, other piconets may be implemented such that the devices do notoperate according to such an M/S (Master/Slave) type relationship. Insuch instances, various piconet operable devices operate may be referredto as PNCs (piconet coordinators) and DEVs (user piconet devices thatare not PNCs). The PNCs operate to coordinate the communication betweenthemselves and the DEVs within the piconet. Sometimes, such a PNC may beimplemented to operate as a master with respect to the 1 or more DEVsthat operate as slaves, but this need not be the case in allinstances—the strict M/S relationship is typically the case only in aBluetooth® piconet.

In even some other instances, two or more piconets operate cooperativelysuch that at least two piconets operate such that they share at leastone common device in a scatternet implementation. For example, in ascatternet, a single DEV may interact with two or more PNCs. Thisimplementation will allow various devices within different piconets thatare located relatively far from one another to communicate through thePNCs of the scatternet. However, within a scatternet implementation, aproblem may arise such that each of the individual piconets must be ableto operate in relative close proximity with other piconets withoutinterfering with one another. This inherently requires a great deal ofsynchronization between the piconets, which may be very difficult toachieve in some instances. It is also noted that independently operatingpiconets, not implemented within a scatternet implementation, may alsosuffer from deleterious effects of interference with other piconetslocated within relative close proximity.

Some PAN communication standards and recommended practices have beendeveloped (and some are still being developed) by the IEEE (Institute ofElectrical & Electronics Engineers) 802.15 working group. Thesestandards and recommended practices may generally be referred to asbeing provided under the umbrella of the IEEE 802.15 working group.Perhaps the most common standard is the IEEE 802.15.1 standard whichadopts the core of Bluetooth® and which generally can supportoperational rates up to approximately 1 Mbps (Mega-bits per second).

The IEEE 802.15.2 recommended practice specification has been developedin an effort to support the co-existence of the IEEE 802.15.1 Bluetooth®core with virtually any other wireless communication system within theapproximate 2.4 GHz (Giga-Hertz) frequency range. As some examples, theIEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11g WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)standards both operate within the approximate 2.4 GHz frequency range.This IEEE 802.15.2 recommended practice specification has been developedto ensure that such a WLAN and a piconet may operate simultaneouslywithin relatively close proximity of one another without significantinterference with one another.

In addition, the IEEE 802.15.3 high data rate PAN standard has beendeveloped in an effort to support operational rate up to approximately55 Mbps. In this IEEE 802.15.3 standard, the PNCs and DEVs do notoperate according to an M/S relationship as they do according toBluetooth®. In contradistinction, a PNC operates generally as an AP(Access Point) and manages the various DEVs such that they areguaranteed to perform their respective communication according to theirappropriate time slots thereby ensuring proper performance and operationwithin the piconet. An extension of the IEEE 802.15.3 high data rate PANstandard is the IEEE 802.15.3 WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) HighRate Alternative PHY Task Group 3a (TG3a). This is sometimes referred tothe IEEE 802.15.3a extended high data rate PAN standard, and it cansupport operational rates up to 480 Mbps

Yet another standard developed by the IEEE 802.15 working group is theIEEE 802.15.4 low data rate PAN standard that generally supports datarates within the range of approximately 10 kbps (kilo-bits per second)and 250 kbps.

Typically within such WPANs, the communication between each of the userdevices and a PNC (piconet coordinator) (as well as between the varioususer devices via p2p (peer to peer) communication) is performedaccording to a common scheme such as a single code rate, a singlemodulation, and/or a single data rate. There does not presently exist inthe art any means by which the communication to and from the variousdevices of one or more piconets may be handled in any other way besidesaccording to such a common scheme.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the invention can be found in a WPAN (WirelessPersonal Area Network). The WPAN includes a PNC (piconet coordinator)and a plurality of DEVs (user piconet devices). The PNC transmits UWB(Ultra Wide Band) pulses to each DEV within the plurality of DEVs. Afterreceiving its respective UWB pulse, each DEV within the plurality ofDEVs transmits a UWB pulse back to the PNC. The PNC performs ranging ofthe relative position of each DEV within the plurality of DEVs using thetime duration of round trip time of the transmitted UWB pulse and thereceived UWB pulse thereby determining the relative distance between thePNC and each DEV within the plurality of DEVs. Then, based on theranging of each DEV of the plurality of DEVs, the PNC groups theplurality of DEVs into at least two groups and identifies acorresponding profile for each group. The profile of each group governsthe communication between the DEVs of that group and the PNC (and alsomay govern the communication between the DEVs of that group).

In certain embodiments, the WPAN includes two different piconets (e.g.,a first piconet and a second piconet) that are supported using twodifferent PNCs. In such embodiments, both of the PNCs perform ranging ofall of the DEVs within the WPAN. Then, using the ranging information,the two PNCs operate cooperatively to group each of the DEVs into groupsthat may be serviced by each of the PNCs.

In even other embodiments, the PNC sets up p2p (peer to peer)communication between two DEVs. The PNC identifies a corresponding p2pprofile to govern communication between the two DEVs that communicateusing p2p communication. The p2p profile includes at least one of a datarate, a modulation density, a code having a code rate, and a TFC (timefrequency code). The PNC may operate as a repeater for the p2pcommunication between the two DEVs.

It is also noted that any one of the profiles may include any one ormore of a data rate, a modulation density, a code having a code rate,and a TFC.

The groups into which the DEVs are grouped may be into at least twogroups of devices such that the devices of one group are closer to thePNC than the devices of another group. The first group employs a firstprofile that governs the communication between the DEVs of the firstgroup and the PNC using at least one of a first data rate, a firstmodulation density, a first code having a first code rate, and a firstTFC. The second group employs a second profile that governs thecommunication between the DEVs of the second group and the PNC using atleast one of a second data rate, a second modulation density, a secondcode having a second code rate, and a second TFC. In some instances, thefirst data rate is greater than the second data rate. Moreover, thefirst modulation density may be of a higher order than the secondmodulation density. In addition, the first code rate may be higher thanthe second code rate.

The PNC may perform ranging of the position of each DEV within theplurality of DEVs after every elapse of a predetermined period of time.In other words, the PNC may repeatedly perform ranging of the DEVs everyn seconds (where n is selectable).

The invention is also operable to accommodate changing of the positionsof the devices within the WPAN. The profiles used to govern thecommunication between the various devices may be modified based on thechange in position of any one or more of the devices within the WPAN. Inaddition, in an effort to ascertain more specific location informationof the various devices within the WPAN, triangulation may be employedusing 3 devices. If desired, profile assignment may be performed for thevarious devices based on the specific locations of the devices in someembodiment (as opposed to simply according to the group with which thedevice is associated).

The UWB pulses may be generated using portions of a UWB frequencyspectrum that spans from approximately 3.1 GHz (Giga-Hertz) toapproximately 10.6 GHz. The UWB frequency spectrum may be divided into aplurality of frequency bands, and each frequency band of the pluralityof frequency bands has a bandwidth of approximately 500 MHz(Mega-Hertz).

There are also a number of other embodiments in which the position basedWPAN management may be performed. For example, each of the devices maybe implemented such that they include GPS (Global Positioning System)functionality that allows for determination of the specific locations ofthe devices. This GPS information may be communicated between thedevices every n seconds (where n may be programmable). In addition,various methods may be performed according to the invention that supportthe processing described herein in any number of devices and/or systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the frequencyspectrum of a UWB (Ultra Wide Band) signal when compared to some othersignal types according to the invention.

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of UWB (Ultra Wide Band)spectrum partitioning into a plurality of sub-bands according to theinvention.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a piconet (shown as awireless communication system) that is built according to the invention.

FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a TFC (time frequencycode) (having a period) that may be employed according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment showing TFC (timefrequency code) frequency hop time intervals compared to a communicationchannel impulse response according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of TFCs (timefrequency codes) that may be employed according to the invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of CDMA (Code DivisionMultiple Access) that may be employed according to the invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of OFDM (OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiplexing) that may be employed according to theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of position basedintra-piconet management (shown in a radial embodiment) that isperformed according to the invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of position basedinter-piconet management (shown in a radial embodiment) that isperformed according to the invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of position basedintra-piconet management (shown using triangulation) that is performedaccording to the invention.

FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment showing profilemodification based on change in relative positions of devices within apiconet.

FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of how a PNC (piconetcoordinator) sets up p2p (peer to peer) communication between 2 DEVs(user piconet devices) based on their relative positions within apiconet according to the invention.

FIG. 10C is a diagram illustrating another embodiment showing positionbased intra-piconet management according to the invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of modulationdensity modification based on position of devices within 1 or morepiconets.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of profilemodification based on position of devices within 1 or more piconets.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a piconet embodiment showing apredetermined, finite set off profiles (and corresponding parameters)stored within various devices according to the invention.

FIG. 14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16 are flowcharts illustrating variousembodiments of WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) management methodsthat are performed according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the frequencyspectrum of a UWB (Ultra Wide Band) signal when compared to some othersignal types according to the invention. In contradistinction to RF(Radio Frequency) communications that operate by using a narrowbandfrequency carrier to transmit information, UWB communications operate bysending pulses of energy across a broad frequency spectrum. For example,an RF signal may be viewed as occupying the range of spectra of anarrowband frequency. Also, in contradistinction to a spread-spectrumsignal whose PSD (Power Spectral Density) generally rises above the PSDsof other interfering signals within an available spectrum and alsooccupies a relatively narrower portion of the available spectrum, a UWBsignal may actually be viewed as being a pulse shaped signal (that maynever exceed the PSDs of other interfering signals within the availablespectrum). A spread-spectrum signal may be viewed a signal that occupiesa frequency band that is much wider than the minimum bandwidth requiredby the information signal. For example, a transmitter “spreads” theenergy (that is typically originally concentrated in narrowband) acrossa wider frequency band. One benefit of a spread-spectrum signal is thatit provides increased immunity with respect to narrowband interference.A narrowband signal will not fully obliterate the UWB signal because ofthe much wider bandwidth of the UWB signal. It is also important to notethat a UWB signal may also be characterized as a function of time, notfrequency.

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of UWB (Ultra Wide Band)spectrum partitioning into a plurality of sub-bands according to theinvention. Relatively recently, the FCC (Federal CommunicationsCommission) has defined the available spectrum for UWB communications asbeing between 3.1 GHz (Giga-Hertz) and 10.6 GHz. In addition, the FCCdefined the minimum spectral width of any UWB signal within theavailable UWB spectrum to be 500 MHz (Mega-Hertz).

Moreover, this FCC definition allows for a PSD across the UWB spectrumof −41.25 dBm/MHz of bandwidth. As a reminder, 0 dBm is the decibel (dB)measure of power of a signal referenced to 1 mW (milli-Watt). This meansthat the total power that may be employed by a UWB signal isapproximately −14.26 dBm in any individual 500 MHz sub-band within theentire available UWB bandwidth of 7.5 GHz. In addition, if a pulse issent using the entire 7.5 GHz of available UWB bandwidth, then the totaltransmitted power of a UWB signal is approximately −2.5 dBm.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a piconet (shown as awireless communication system) that is built according to the invention.As described briefly above, a piconet may be viewed as being the networkthat is established when any two devices connect to supportcommunication between them. The piconet may be implemented using a PNC(piconet coordinator) and 1 or more DEVs (piconet devices). In someinstances, the DEVs do not communication directly with one another, butwith each other through the PNC.

To support communication between each of the DEVs, simultaneously atsome times, and the PNC, the communication must be implemented in such away that the communication links between each DEV and the PNC will notinterfere with the other communication links in any other SOP(Simultaneously Operating Piconet) within a relatively close proximity.That is to say, when two or more piconets operate within relativelyclose proximity to one another, the communication within each of therespective piconets must be implemented in such a way thatsimultaneously operation of the two or more piconets (e.g., thecoexistence and operation) may be performed without interfering with oneanother. It is also noted that the PNC may also operate to enable p2p(peer to peer) communication between two DEVs within a piconet.Moreover, the piconet in this embodiment, as well as within otherembodiments described herein are operable in accordance with theconstraints provided by the IEEE 802.15.3a standard and may also beimplemented such that the piconet is operable in accordance with otherwireless communication standards as well.

FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a TFC (time frequencycode) (having a period) that may be employed according to the invention.As a function of time, the frequency band that is being used will “hop”from one frequency band to another according to the TFC. The use of aTFC is one means of operation that may be used to make a communicationchannel more robust. For example, when noise, such as background noise,is relatively localized to a particular portion of the spectrum, the TFCwill help minimize the deleterious effects this frequency specific andfrequency localized noise.

Frequency hopping may be viewed as a periodic switching of the frequencyof a signal during transmission. In a communication system, atransmitter and a receiver operate in synchronization so that eachoperates at the same frequency at any given time. In this particularembodiment, an available frequency spectrum is sub-divided into n bands.The communication operates using a band 1 during a first time interval,then operates using a band n during a second time interval, thenoperates using a band 3 during a third time interval, and so on asindicated in the diagram.

It is also noted that the time interval between the various frequencyhops is sufficiently long so as to permit the capture of a communicationchannel's full impulse response. This time interval at which thecommunication system operates at any given frequency will typically bemulti-symbol lengths in duration.

As an example of the operation of frequency hopping, in the context aUWB signal, the UWB spectrum may be divided into 15 sub-bands of 500 MHzbandwidth, the frequency hopping may be viewed as hopping between thevarious 500 MHz bandwidth sub-bands as a function of time.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment showing TFC (timefrequency code) frequency hop time intervals compared to a communicationchannel impulse response according to the invention. The impulseresponse, as a function of time, is shown for the communication channelbetween two DEVs (or between a PNC and one of the DEVs). This impulseresponse may be viewed as the response of the communication system whenan impulse is provided thereto. The impulse response varies in intensityas a function of time before dissipating. The time that the impulseresponse takes to dissipate completely may be viewed as the impulseresponse time of the communication channel.

When compared to the impulse response time of the communication channel,the TFC time interval durations at which the communication systemoperates using a first frequency band (shown as a band 1 during a firsttime interval) is much longer (e.g., substantially longer) than theimpulse response time of the communication channel. In some embodiments,the TFC time interval durations are significantly longer that theimpulse response time of the communication channel. As one example, theTFC time interval durations are may be up to ten times (e.g., 10×)longer than the impulse response time of the communication channel. Thiswill allow all of the energy of a pulse to be captured when transmittedand when operating at this frequency band. Similarly, when the operationswitches to another frequency band according to the TFC, then thatcorresponding time interval will also be longer than the impulseresponse time of the communication channel.

Within some prior art piconet approaches, frequency hopping alone hasbeen implemented such that the time intervals are typically only of asingle symbol's length; this is typically much shorter than the impulseresponse time of the communication channel. As such, much of the energyof a transmitted pulse may be lost if the frequency hops are performedtoo quickly. The longer duration over which the frequency hops areperformed according to the invention allows for capturing of all of theenergy of the transmitted pulse thereby ensuring more robust and moreaccurate communications. In addition, the invention provides a solutionthat employs combined OFDM encoding and TFC modulation of the OFDMsymbols to support simultaneous operation of multiple piconets that eachmay include multiple DEVs.

It is again noted that a PNC enable p2p (peer to peer) communicationbetween two separate DEVs within the piconet. The manner ofcommunication described herein may be implemented with respect tocommunication between a PNC and the DEVs of the piconet and also may beimplemented with respect to p2p communication between two separate DEVswithin the piconet.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of TFCs (timefrequency codes) that may be employed according to the invention. Thisembodiment shows how two separate piconets may operate using twoseparate TFCs that are orthogonal to one another. However, it is alsonoted that as the number of TFCs employed to support communication ofSOPs (Simultaneously Operating Piconets) continues to increase, andgiven the fact that there is a finite number of bands employed withinany TFC, trying to maintain orthogonality of the TFCs will be more andmore difficult. While this is possible with a small number of SOPs, itbecomes impossible as the number of SOPs increases, given the inherentperiodicity of the TFCs.

However, within an embodiment that employs only 2 SOPs, a piconet 1employs a TFC 1 to support communication between the devices includestherein. In addition, a piconet 2 employs a TFC 2 to supportcommunication between the devices includes therein. In this embodiment,during each time interval, the TFC 1 and the TFC 2 each operate using adifferent band. For example, when the TFC 1 operates using the band 1,the TFC 2 operates using the band 2. Similarly, when the TFC 1 operatesusing the band 2, the TFC 2 operates using the band 5. This orthogonaloperation of the 2 TFCs continues for the duration of the operation ofthe respective SOPs.

Each of the respective TFCs is repeated to support subsequent operationwithin each of the respective piconets. This orthogonal operation ofemploying two TFCs allows more than one piconet to coexist in relativeclose proximity with one another. In addition, it is noted that each ofthe devices within a respective piconet will communicate with each otherusing the TFC that corresponds to that piconet.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of CDMA (Code DivisionMultiple Access) that may be employed according to the invention. CDMAmay be viewed as the short term assignment of a frequency band tovarious signal sources. At each successive time slot, the bandassignments are reordered either adaptively or according to apredetermined sequence. For example, during a time slot 1, a signal 1operates using a band 1, a signal 2 operates using a band 2, and asignal 3 operates using a band 3. Then, during a time slot 2, the signal1 operates using the band 3, the signal 2 operates using the band 1, andthe signal 3 operates using the band 2. During a time slot 3, the signal1 operates using the band 1, the signal 2 operates using the band 2, andthe signal 3 operates using the band 3.

The operation of communication devices (e.g., users) is performed usinga PN (Pseudo-Noise) code that is typically orthogonal to the other PNscodes employed by the communication devices within the communicationsystem. This PN code is oftentimes referred to as a spreading code. Amodulated signal is spread using that spreading code and the spreadsignal is then transmitted across a communication channel. At a receiverend of the communication channel, this same spreading code (e.g., thisPN code) is employed to de-spread the code so that data sent from aparticular device may be demodulated by the appropriate destinationdevice.

The operation of CDMA may be better understood when viewed as thetransformation of an input signal through a communication system. At atransmitter end of a communication channel, input from a particular useris first provided to a modulator where the data is modulated by acarrier thereby generating a modulated signal (s1). Next, thedata-modulated signal is then multiplied by a spreading code (g1) thatcorresponds to that particular user thereby generating a spread signal(g1 s 1) that is then provided to the communication channel. This signalmay be viewed as a convolution of the frequency spectrum of themodulated signal and the frequency spectrum of the spreading code.Simultaneously, input from other users within the communication systemis modulated and spread in an analogous manner.

At the receiver end of the communication channel, a linear combinationof all of the spread signals provided by the other users is received,e.g., g1 s 1+g 2 s 2+g3 s 3+ . . . and so on for all of the users. Atthe receiver end, the total received signal is then multiplied by thespreading code (g1) thereby generating a signal that includes g1 ²s1plus a composite of the undesired signal (e.g., g1 g 2 s 2+g 1 g 3 s 3+. . . and so on).

In CDMA, the spreading codes are typically chosen such that they areorthogonal to one another. That is to say, when any one spreading codeis multiplied with another spreading code, the result is zero. This way,all of the undesired signals drop out. Given that the spreading codesg1(t), g2(t), g3(t) and so on, the orthogonality of the spreading codesmay be represented as follows:

${\int_{0}^{T}{g\;{i(t)}\; g\;{j(t)}\ {\mathbb{d}t}}} = \left\{ \begin{matrix}{1,{i = j}} \\{0,{i \neq j}}\end{matrix} \right.$

This final signal, is then passed to a demodulator where the input thathas been provided at the transmitter end of the communication channel isextracted and a best estimate is made thereof.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of OFDM (OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiplexing) that may be employed according to theinvention. OFDM encoding may be viewed a dividing up an availablespectrum into a plurality of narrowband sub-carriers (e.g., lower datarate carriers). Typically, the frequency responses of these sub-carriersare overlapping and orthogonal. Each sub-carrier may be modulated usingany of a variety of modulation coding techniques.

OFDM encoding operates by performing simultaneously transmission of alarger number of narrowband carriers (or multi-tones). Oftentimes aguard interval or guard space is also employed between the various OFDMsymbols to try to minimize the effects of ISI (Inter-SymbolInterference) that may be caused by the effects of multi-path within thecommunication system (which can be particularly of concern in wirelesscommunication systems). In addition, a CP (Cyclic Prefix) may also beemployed within the guard interval to combat any adverse effects of thechannel response over which data is transmitted. In general, the CPs maybe viewed as facilitating a more efficient form of equalization.

In one embodiment, 125 OFDM tones may be implemented to generate a UWBsignal in any one of the 15 sub-bands of 500 MHz bandwidth within theUWB spectrum. Other benefits are also achieved using OFDM encoding. Forexample, the use of multi-tones allows for an effective solution to dealwith narrowband interference. A tone that corresponds to the locality ofthe narrowband interference may be turned off (to eliminate thesusceptibility to this narrowband interference) and still provide forefficient operation. This turning off of these one or few tones will notresult in a great loss of bandwidth because each individual tone doesnot occupy a great deal of bandwidth within the available spectrumemployed by the OFDM symbol. Therefore, OFDM encoding provides asolution that may be employed in accordance with the combined OFDMencoding and TFC modulation of the invention that allows forcompensation of narrowband interference without sacrificing a great dealof bandwidth.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of position basedintra-piconet management (shown in a radial embodiment) that isperformed according to the invention. This embodiment shows how therelative distances between various DEVs (user piconet devices) and a PNC(piconet coordinator) may be used to group the DEVs into at least 2groups (e.g., more than 1 group). The determination made in thisembodiment is strictly radial as emanating from the location of the PNC.For each DEV having a portion that may be reached (more specifically,having a portion able to support wireless communication) within a zone1, these DEVs are all grouped within a group 1. In this particularembodiment, these DEVs are DEV 1 and DEV 4. Communication between theseDEVs 1 & 4 and the PNC is governed according to a profile 1. There are anumber of possible parameters that may be included within each profile,as is described in further detail below. Some of the possible parametersinclude code rate, modulation density, data rate, and/or TFC. However,other parameters may also be employed without departing from the scopeand spirit of the invention.

Continuing on the grouping of DEVs within this embodiment, a DEV 2 isgrouped into a zone 2. Communication between this DEV 2 and the PNC isgoverned according to a profile 2. Continuing on the grouping of DEVswithin this embodiment, A DEV 3 is grouped into a zone 3. Communicationbetween this DEV 3 and the PNC is governed according to a profile 3.Continuing on the grouping of DEVs within this embodiment, DEVs 5 & 6are grouped into a group that is beyond or outside of the reach of thezone 3. Communication between these DEVs 5 & 6 and the PNC is governedaccording to a profile 4.

Each of the various profiles that govern the communication between thePNC and the DEVs of the various groups may include a number ofparameters including a data rate, a modulation density, a code having acode rate, and a TFC, as well as any other parameters that a particulardesigner may choose to employ within a position based WPAN managementsystem. Moreover, profiles selected from this set of possible profilesor from a different set of profiles may also be employed to govern p2pcommunication between the DEVs within the communication system.

Again, as shown in this embodiment, the grouping of the DEVs into thevarious groups is performed based on the radial distances emanating fromthe PNC in ever increasing circles (with respect to 2 dimensions) orever increasing spheres (with respect to 3 dimensions). To determinethese relative distances between the PNC and the DEVs, the PNC transmitsUWB (Ultra Wide Band) pulses to each of the DEVs. After eachcorresponding DEV receives its respective UWB pulse, that DEV transmitsanother UWB pulse back to the PNC. The PNC performs ranging of therelative position of each DEV using the time duration of round trip timeof the transmitted UWB pulse and the received UWB pulse therebydetermining the relative distance between the PNC and each DEV. This maybe performed borrowing on the relatively short duration of UWB pulses(e.g., typically less than 1 nsec (nano-sec) in duration). These UWBpulses will typically therefore travel at a velocity of approximately 1nsec/ft (1 nano-sec per foot). This allows the PNC to resolve signals towithin approximately 1 nsec time intervals thereby providing arelatively precise determination of the relative locations of the DEVswith respect to the PNC.

With respect to the ranging described and performed within thisembodiment as largely being performed by the PNC, it is also noted thatany one or more of the DEVs may also be implemented to perform suchranging. Such ranging performed by a DEV may be employed to make arequest for a profile and/or assign that particular DEV to a group whosecommunication is governed according to a profile.

Other embodiments may use alternative means to determine positioninformation of the various devices such as GPS (Global PositioningSystem) functionality included within the various devices and/ortriangulation that includes at least 3 devices (e.g., the PNC and 2DEVs). Such alternative embodiments are also referred to and describedin more detail below.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of position basedinter-piconet management (shown in a radial embodiment) that isperformed according to the invention. This embodiment shows a number ofDEVs and 2 PNCs within a region. Both of the PNCs 1 & 2 are operable toperform ranging of all of the DEVs within the region. Together, the PNC1 and the PNC 2 perform this ranging of all of the DEVs, group themaccordingly, an also select profiles that may be used to govern thecommunication between the DEVs and the PNCs 1 & 2. In addition, one orboth of the PNCs 1 & 2 may also direct 2 or more of the DEVs to performp2p communication between them and perform ranging of the relativedistances between them; this information may then be provided to both ofthe PNCs 1 & 2. In doing so, triangulation may be performed by one orboth of the PNCs 1 & 2 to determine the precise location of the DEVswithin the region with respect to one or more of the PNCs 1 & 2.

The distribution of the DEVs in this embodiment is the same as theembodiment described above, except there are 2 PNCs in this embodiment.Therefore, the grouping of the DEVs may be performed differently whileproviding a more efficient implementation. For example, those DEVscloser in vicinity to the PNC 2 may be grouped within one group; DEVs 2,3, & 6 may be grouped within a zone whose communication is governedaccording to a profile 3 in one piconet (e.g., piconet 2).

The PNC 1 services the other DEVs 1 & 4 (within a zone 1 using a profile1), and the PNC 1 services DEV 5 (as being outside a zone 3 using aprofile 2). These DEVs and the PNC 1 may be viewed as being anotherpiconet (e.g., piconet 1).

It can be seen that the profiles may vary as becoming more robust as thegroup of DEVs is further away from the respective PNC. For example, as acommunication link may become noisy, then a lower data rate, a lowerdensity type modulation density, or a more robust code may be employedto govern communication to and from DEVs further from the appropriatePNC. This principle of increasing the robustness of a profile as theDEVs are further apart from the PNC is also applicable for the otherembodiments as well; moreover, this principle may also be employed toselect the appropriate profile to govern communication between 2 DEVswithin p2p communication. When 2 DEVs are relatively close to oneanother, a less robust profile (e.g., higher data rate and/or highermodulation density) may be selected versus when 2 DEVs are relativelyclose to one another.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of position basedintra-piconet management (shown using triangulation) that is performedaccording to the invention. This embodiment show how triangulation maybe employed using the ranging performed by p2p communication between thevarious DEVs as well as the ranging performed between the PNC and theDEVs. In knowing the relative distances between 3 different devices, itis known that their relative location with respect to one another can bedetermined with a high degree of accuracy.

For example, p2p ranging between a DEV 1 and a DEV 2 as well as theranging information between the PNC and the DEV 1 and the DEV 2 may allbe employed to determine the specific location of these devices withinthe region. The PNC may perform the ranging itself between the DEV 1 andthe DEV 2, and the PNC may direct one or both of the DEV 1 and the DEV 2to perform p2p ranging between themselves. Then, one or both of the DEV1 and the DEV 2 may communicate this ranging information back to the PNCso that the PNC may perform triangulation to determine the specificlocations of the 3 devices with respect to one another. This way, a moreprecise grouping of the DEVs may be performed. Alternatively, anappropriate profile may be selected for each and every DEV that may beserviced by the PNC. Triangulation may similarly be performed using thePNC and the DEVs 2 & 3.

Alternatively, each of the devices may contain GPS functionality that isable to discern the absolute location of the device on the earth withina particular precision as provide by the GPS functionality employed.This information may be transmitted between the various devices allowingfor appropriate grouping and selecting of profiles to govern thecommunication to and from those devices. GPS technology has maturedsignificantly over the recent years, and it is possible to include suchlocation determining functionality within the various devices withoutany significant increase in complexity.

In any of the embodiments that perform ranging, triangulation, or GPSposition determination, this position determination may be performedevery so often as desired by a particular designer. For example, apredetermined time period may be selected, and the positiondetermination may be performed after every elapse of this predeterminedtime period. More specifically, one or more of the GPS capable DEVs maybe instructed to transmit its location to the PNC every n seconds (orminutes, or whatever time period is selected). Similarly, the rangingoperation may be performed for one or more of the devices after everypredetermined period of time has elapsed. Using this approach, dynamicchanges in the relative positions of the devices with respect to oneanother may be ascertained every so often. This way, the grouping of thedevices and/or selection of the appropriate profiles may be updated asneeded to accommodate changes in the positions of the devices to ensureefficient operation of the overall system in reaction to any changes ofposition therein.

FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment showing profilemodification based on change in relative positions of devices within apiconet. This embodiment shows how a profile 1 is employed to govern thecommunication between a PNC and a DEV at a time 1. Then, later, at atime 2, the DEV has changed position with respect to the PNC. A profile2 is then selected to govern the communication between the PNC and a DEVat the time 2. The profiles 1 & 2 may be completely different, or theymay only differ in as few as one parameter contained therein. Forexample, each of the profiles may have an associated data rate, amodulation density, a code rate, a TFC, or some other parameter. One ormore of these parameters (or all of the parameters) within the profilesmay be modified when switching from the profile 1 to the profile 2.

FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of how a PNC (piconetcoordinator) sets up p2p (peer to peer) communication between 2 DEVs(user piconet devices) based on their relative positions within apiconet according to the invention. In this embodiment, a PNC employs aprofile 1 to govern the communication to and from the PNC and DEVs 1 &2. Then, the PNC directs one or both of the DEVs 1 & 2 to support p2pcommunication between themselves. However, the PNC employs the relativelocation of the DEVs 1 & 2 with respect to one another, and the PNCdirects them to employ a profile 2 to govern the communication betweenthem.

This embodiment shows how various profiles may be employed and selectedbased on the relative locations of the devices communicating within theregion. Given that the DEVs 1 & 2 are closer to one another than eitherone of them is to the PNC, they may be able to support a higher datarate between themselves than they can with the PNC. The data rate 2associated with the profile 2 may be greater than the data rate 1associated with the profile 1. Moreover, the modulation density 2associated with the profile 2 may be less robust (e.g., have a highermodulation density) than the modulation density 1 associated with theprofile 1, and the code 2 associated with the profile 2 may be lessrobust (e.g., have less redundancy or parity bits) than the code 1associated with the profile 1. Given that the communication link betweenthe user devices 1 & 2 (slaves) does not require such protectivemeasures (e.g., it may be less noisy, etc.), a higher data rate maypossibly be supported thereby providing faster transmission ofinformation.

This embodiment may also support a situation when one of the DEVs seeksto communicate with the other of the DEVs via the PNC, and the PNC then,while considering the relative proximity of the DEVs to one another,unilaterally directs them to support p2p communication without a p2pcommunication request from either of the DEVs.

FIG. 10C is a diagram illustrating another embodiment showing positionbased intra-piconet management according to the invention. Thisembodiment shows how a PNC may serve as a repeater (e.g., a filterand/or an amplifier) of the p2p communication between the DEVs 1& 2. ThePNC may independently determine the relative locations of the DEVs 1 & 2with respect to the PNC, and the PNC may unilaterally intervene to serveas the repeater thereby ensuring higher performance of the communicationbetween the DEVs.

All of the various embodiments described herein benefit by havingknowledge of the locations of the various devices within the region. Ingeneral, having such information allows the WPAN to be operated in sucha way as to allow for the greatest possible amount of data throughputand also for a most efficient assignment of profiles to govern therespective communication links contained therein. This also allows for amost efficient use of the capabilities and processing resources of thevarious devices contained therein as well.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of modulationdensity modification based on position of devices within 1 or morepiconets. The spectrum of modulation densities involves higher ordermodulation densities and lower order modulation densities. For example,the spectrum of modulation densities may range from 1024 QAM (QuadratureAmplitude Modulation), 256 QAM, 64 QAM, 16 QAM, 8 PSK (8 Phase ShiftKey), QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying), and BPSK (Binary Phase ShiftKey). Other modulation schemes could similarly be employed and arrangedin an increasing/decreasing order of density without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention. The higher order modulation densitiesmay be viewed as including the 1024 QAM and 256 QAM, and the lower ordermodulation densities may be viewed as including the 8 PSK, QPSK, andBPSK. In some embodiments, a higher order modulation density may beviewed as including only 16 QAM, and a lower order modulation densitymay be viewed as including only QPSK and/or BPSK.

The higher order modulation densities may be used within thosecommunication links that are relatively free of noise and/orinterference. For example, in communication links that have very littlenoise, a relatively very modulation density may be employed to allow thethroughput of a higher amount of information. In contradistinction, thelower order modulation densities may be used within those communicationlinks that have a relatively significant amount of noise and/orinterference. These lower order modulation densities would allow forgreater robustness of the data transmitted across such communicationlinks.

It is noted that the varying of modulation density across this spectrumof modulation densities may be made in response to a number of factorsincluding devices becoming further apart (such as when one devicemoves), when a communication link becomes more noisy, or some otherconstraint which may compromise, at least in part, the robustness of thecommunication link thereby making transmissions across the communicationlink more likely to suffer error or corruption of the data.

While this embodiment above shows how a single parameter (modulationdensity in this embodiment) may be modified for the various reasonsdescribed above. The embodiment below shows how any one or moreparameters of a profile may be modified in response to such reasons.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of profilemodification based on position of devices within 1 or more piconets.This embodiment shows how profile modification (or parametermodification) may be performed across a spectrum of available profile.Each profile may have a number of parameters that are used to governcommunication between 2 or more devices. For example, each profile mayinclude any one or more of a data rate, a modulation density, a codehaving a code rate that provides a degree of redundancy (as in thecontext of FEC (Forward Error Correction) coding), a TFC, as well as anyother parameter that may be desired in a give embodiment.

The spectrum of profiles may be divided into a number of discreteprofiles varying from higher order profiles to lower order profiles. Forexample, the higher order profiles may provide for greater throughput ofdata across communication links of a relatively high quality (e.g.,lower noise, higher reliability, etc.). The lower order profiles mayprovide for communication of data across communication links of arelatively poor quality (e.g., higher noise, lower reliability, etc.).For example, when comparing a higher order profile to a lower orderprofile, the higher order profile may have a higher data rata, a higherorder modulation density (e.g., more constellation points), a higherorder code (e.g., with more redundancy or parity), and a more robust TFCwhen compared to the TFC than that of a lower order profile.

The modification of the appropriate profile to be used to governcommunication between two devices may be made for many of the samereasons provide in the embodiment above when described with respect tochanging the modulation density. For example, as devices get furtherapart, or if a communication link is relatively noisier, or for someother appropriate reason, a different profile may be selected. Morespecifically, if the relative distance between two devices that arecommunicating with one another become larger, then a more robust (orlower order) profile may be selected to govern future communicationbetween those two devices. Analogously, if the relative distance betweentwo devices that are communicating with one another become smaller, thena less robust (or higher order) profile may be selected to govern futurecommunication between those two devices. This way, the profile used togovern the communications may be adaptive in response to the locationsof the various devices within such a communication system. Again, thereare also other considerations that may be employed to direct theselection of alternative profiles as well without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention.

In addition, there may be instances where only a single parameter of aprofile need be modified in response to such considerations.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a piconet embodiment showing apredetermined, finite set off profiles (and corresponding parameters)stored within various devices according to the invention. Thisembodiment shows how a number of devices may all include informationcorresponding to a finite set of profiles that may be selected to governcommunication between two devices. For example, a PNC may includeinformation corresponding to a profile 1, a profile 2, a profile 3, . .. , and a profile n. Similarly, each of the DEVs within thecommunication system may also include information corresponding to theprofile 1, the profile 2, the profile 3, . . . , and the profile n. Thisway, when communication is to be supported between any 2 of thesedevices, both of the devices will have information corresponding to theappropriate profile so that they may communicate effectively (e.g., bothuse and expect one or more of the same data rate, the same code, thesame modulation density, and/or the same TFC).

As an example, the PNC may communicate with the DEV 1 such that both thePNC and the DEV 1 both employ the profile 2. Analogously, the PNC maycommunicate with the DEV 2 such that both the PNC and the DEV 2 bothemploy the profile n. Also analogously, the PNC may direct the DEV 1 andthe user device 2 to perform p2p communication between them such thatboth the DEV 1 and the DEV 2 both employ the profile 1 in their p2pcommunication. By providing the information corresponding to the variousprofiles to each of the devices, they may all be able to supporteffective communication between themselves.

FIG. 14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16 are flowcharts illustrating variousembodiments of WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) management methodsthat are performed according to the invention.

Referring to the FIG. 14, the method begins by determining the locationsof devices within WPAN. This may involve determining the relativelocations of the various devices with respect to one another or thespecific locations of the devices. There are a number of ways in whichthis may be performed. For example, this may be performed by usingtriangulation to determine specific device locations. Alternatively,this may involve determining the radial distances of various DEVs from aPNC. In even another embodiment, this may involve using embedded GPS(Global Positioning System) functionality within the various devices todetermine their specific locations within a certain degree of precisionas provided by the GPS functionality.

Then, the method continues by grouping the various devices into a numberof groups based on their relative or specific locations within WPAN. Forexample, this may involve grouping the DEVs into groups based on theirradial distance from a PNC. Alternatively, this may involve grouping theDEVs based on their specific locations within the WPAN.

The method then continues by assigning profiles to correspond to the 1or more device groups into which the devices have been grouped. Themethod then supports communication between the PNC and the DEVs withinthe 1 or more groups using the assigned profiles. In addition, thismethod may also involve supporting communication between the DEVsthemselves within the 1 or more groups using their appropriatelyassigned profiles. This may also involve supporting p2p communicationbetween 2 DEVs using one or more of the assigned profiles as well.

Referring to the FIG. 15, this method begins by supporting communicationbetween a PNC and one or more DEVs within 1 or more groups usingprofiles that have been assigned within a WPAN. The method continues bymonitoring the relative or specific location of devices within WPAN.This may involve using triangulation to determine specific devicelocations. Alternatively, this may involve determining the radialdistances of the various DEVs from a PNC.

The method then continues on by detecting changes in the relative orspecific location of devices within WPAN; this may be achieved byperforming ranging after the elapse of every predetermined period oftime.

Then, the method involves modifying the profile assignments (orparameter(s) within profile(s)), as necessary, based on any changes inthe relative or specific location of devices within WPAN. The methodthen continues by supporting communication between a PNC and one or moreDEVs within 1 or more groups using updated/modified assigned profiles.Again, this may also involve employing the PNC to set up p2pcommunication between 2 DEVs.

Referring to the FIG. 16, initially, the method may follow one of twopossible paths. Along one path, the method uses triangulation todetermine the specific locations of the devices within the WPAN.Alternatively, the method may employ use GPS (Global Positioning System)functionality within the devices to determine the specific locations ofthe devices within WPAN.

Regardless of which manner is used to determine the specific location ofthe devices within the WPAN, the method then involves communicating thelocation information from all of the DEV(s) within the WPAN to thePNC(s).

The method then involves waiting, using a PNC, for a request ofcommunication between 2 DEVs; alternatively the method involvesdirecting communication between the 2 DEVs unilaterally using the PNC.

Then, in a decision block, the method determines whether there are 2DEVs that are within a predetermined distance of one another. If these 2DEVs are within such a predetermined distance, then the method continuesby setting up p2p communication between 2 DEVs using the PNC and alsousing a first profile (e.g., a profile 1). However, if these 2 DEVs arenot within the predetermined distance of one another, then the methodcontinues by support communication between 2 DEVs using the PNC and alsousing a second profile (e.g., a profile 2). If desired, this may involveoperating the PNC as a repeater of the communication link between 2DEVs; this may be performed when the 2 DEVs are supporting p2pcommunication between them.

It is also noted that the various methods described here within the FIG.14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16 may also be performed within the appropriatedevice and/or system embodiments described within other portions of thisspecification.

In view of the above detailed description of the invention andassociated drawings, other modifications and variations will now becomeapparent. It should also be apparent that such other modifications andvariations may be effected without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

1. A Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN), the WPAN comprising: apiconet coordinator (PNC); and a plurality of user piconet devices(DEVs); and wherein: the PNC transmits a respective Ultra Wide Band(UWB) pulse to each DEV within the plurality of DEVs; after receivingits respective UWB pulse, each DEV within the plurality of DEVstransmits at least one additional respective UWB pulse back to the PNC;the PNC performs ranging of relative position of each DEV within theplurality of DEVs using the time duration of round trip time of therespective transmitted UWB pulse and the at least one additionalrespective received UWB pulse thereby determining distance between thePNC and each DEV within the plurality of DEVs; based on the ranging ofrelative position each DEV of the plurality of DEVs, the PNC groups theplurality of DEVs into at least two groups and identifies acorresponding profile for each group thereby forming a plurality ofprofiles; and the profile of each group governs the communicationbetween the DEVs of that group and the PNC.
 2. The WPAN of claim 1,wherein: the WPAN includes a first piconet and a second piconet; the PNCis a first PNC; the plurality of DEVs is a first plurality of DEVs; thesecond piconet includes a second PNC and a second plurality of DEVs; thefirst PNC and the second PNC perform ranging of all the DEVs of thefirst plurality of DEVs and the second plurality of DEVs usingtransmitted and received UWB pulses to and from each of the DEVs of thefirst plurality of DEVs and the second plurality of DEVs; and based onthe ranging of all of the DEVs, the first PNC and the second PNC operatecooperatively to group each of the DEVs of the first plurality of DEVsand the second plurality of DEVs into either the first piconet or thesecond piconet.
 3. The WPAN of claim 1, wherein: the PNC sets up peer topeer (p2p) communication between two DEVs of the plurality of DEVs; thePNC identifies a p2p profile to govern communication between the twoDEVs that communicate using p2p communication; and the p2p profileincludes at least one of a data rate, a modulation density, a codehaving a code rate, and a time frequency code (TFC).
 4. The WPAN ofclaim 3, wherein: the PNC operates as a repeater for the p2pcommunication between the two DEVs of the plurality of DEVs.
 5. The WPANof claim 1, wherein: one of the plurality of profiles includes at leastone of a data rate, a modulation density, a code having a code rate, anda time frequency code (TFC).
 6. The WPAN of claim 1, wherein: a firstgroup of the at least two groups includes DEVs of the plurality of DEVsthat are relatively closer to the PNC than DEVs of the plurality of DEVsthat are in a second group; a first profile that governs thecommunication between the DEVs of the first group and the PNC includesat least one of a first data rate, a first modulation density, a firstcode having a first code rate, and a first time frequency code (TFC);and a second profile that governs the communication between the DEVs ofthe second group and the PNC includes at least one of a second datarate, a second modulation density, a second code having a second coderate, and a second TFC.
 7. The WPAN of claim 6, wherein: the first datarate is greater than the second data rate.
 8. The WPAN of claim 6,wherein: the first modulation density is of a higher order than thesecond modulation density.
 9. The WPAN of claim 6, wherein: the firstcode rate is higher than the second code rate.
 10. The WPAN of claim 1,wherein: the PNC repeatedly performs ranging of the position of each DEVwithin the plurality of DEVs after every elapse of a predeterminedperiod of time.
 11. The WPAN of claim 10, wherein: at least one DEV ofthe plurality of DEVs initially is grouped into a first group of DEVs;the at least one DEV of the plurality of DEVs changes its relativeposition with respect to the PNC during an elapse of one of thepredetermined periods of time; the PNC detects the change in relativeposition of the at least one DEV of the plurality of DEVs whenperforming ranging after the elapse of one of the predetermined periodsof time; and the PNC re-groups the at least one DEV of the plurality ofDEVs that has changed its relative position with respect to the PNC intoa second group of DEVs whose profile governs the subsequentcommunication between the at least one DEV and the PNC.
 12. The WPAN ofclaim 1, wherein: the PNC directs two DEVs of the plurality of DEVs toperform ranging of the relative position of each of the two DEVs withinthe plurality of DEVs using the time duration of round trip time of atransmitted UWB pulse and a received UWB pulse between them therebydetermining a distance between the two DEVs of the plurality of DEVs;one of the two DEVs of the plurality of DEVs provides the ranginginformation indicating the distance between the two DEVs to the PNC; andthe PNC employs the ranging information indicating the distances betweenthe PNC and the two DEVs as well as the ranging information indicatingthe distance between the two DEVs to perform triangulation therebydetermining the specific locations of the two DEVs with respect to thePNC.
 13. The WPAN of claim 12, wherein: based on the ranging of the twoDEVs of the plurality of DEVs generating using triangulation thatdetermines the specific locations of the two DEVs, the PNC identifies afirst profile for one of the two DEVs and a second profile for the otherof the two DEVs; the first profile governs the communication between theone of the two DEVs and the PNC; and the second profile governs thecommunication between the other of the two DEVs and the PNC.
 14. TheWPAN of claim 1, wherein: the UWB pulses are generated using a frequencyband of a UWB frequency spectrum that spans from 3.1 Giga-Hertz (GHz) to10.6 GHz.
 15. The WPAN of claim 14, wherein: the UWB frequency spectrumis divided into a plurality of frequency bands; and each frequency bandof the plurality of frequency bands has a bandwidth of 500 Mega-Hertz(MHz).
 16. A Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN), the WPAN comprising:a piconet coordinator (PNC) that includes Global Positioning System(GPS) functionality that is operable to determine a specific location ofthe PNC within the WPAN; and a plurality of user piconet devices (DEVs);and wherein: each DEV of the plurality of DEVs includes GPSfunctionality that is operable to determine a specific location of thatDEV within the WPAN; each DEV of the plurality of DEVs communicatesinformation corresponding to its specific location to the PNC; based onthe specific locations of each DEV of the plurality of DEVs with respectto the PNC, the PNC groups the plurality of DEVs into at least twogroups and identifies a corresponding profile for each group; and theprofile of each group governs the communication between the DEVs of thatgroup and the PNC.
 17. The WPAN of claim 16, wherein: the WPAN includesa first piconet and a second piconet; the PNC is a first PNC; theplurality of DEVs is a first plurality of DEVs; the second piconetincludes a second PNC and a second plurality of DEVs; each DEV of thesecond plurality of DEVs includes GPS functionality that is operable todetermine the specific location of each DEV of the second plurality ofDEVs within the WPAN; each DEV of the second plurality of DEVs and ofthe first plurality of DEVs communicates information corresponding toits specific location to the first PNC and to the second PNC; and basedon the specific locations of each DEV of the first plurality of DEVs andof the second plurality of DEVs with respect to the first PNC and thesecond PNC, the first PNC and the second PNC operate cooperatively togroup each of the DEVs of the first plurality of DEVs and the secondplurality of DEVs into either the first piconet or the second piconet.18. The WPAN of claim 16, wherein: the PNC sets up peer to peer (p2p)communication between two DEVs of the plurality of DEVs; the PNCidentifies a p2p profile to govern communication between the two DEVsthat communicate using p2p communication; and the p2p profile includesat least one of a data rate, a modulation density, a code having a coderate, and a time frequency code (TFC).
 19. The WPAN of claim 18,wherein: the PNC operates as a repeater for the p2p communicationbetween the two DEVs of the plurality of DEVs.
 20. The WPAN of claim 16,wherein: one of the profiles includes at least one of a data rate, amodulation density, a code having a code rate, and a time frequency code(TFC).
 21. The WPAN of claim 16, wherein: a first group of the at leasttwo groups includes DEVs of the plurality of DEVs that are relativelycloser to the PNC than DEVs of the plurality of DEVs that are in asecond group; a first profile that governs the communication between theDEVs of the first group and the PNC includes at least one of a firstdata rate, a first modulation density, a first code having a first coderate, and a first time frequency code (TFC); and a second profile thatgoverns the communication between the DEVs of the second group and thePNC includes at least one of a second data rate, a second modulationdensity, a second code having a second code rate, and a second TFC. 22.The WPAN of claim 21, wherein: the first data rate is greater than thesecond data rate.
 23. The WPAN of claim 21, wherein: the firstmodulation density is of a higher order than the second modulationdensity.
 24. The WPAN of claim 21, wherein: the first code rate ishigher than the second code rate.
 25. The WPAN of claim 16, wherein:each DEV of the plurality of DEVs repeatedly communicates informationcorresponding to its specific location to the PNC after every elapse ofa predetermined period of time.
 26. The WPAN of claim 25, wherein: thePNC detects a change in position of at least one DEV of the plurality ofDEVs that has been grouped into a first group; based on the change inposition of the at least one DEV of the plurality of DEVs, the PNCgroups the at least one DEV of the plurality of DEVs into a secondgroup.
 27. A Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN), the WPAN comprising:a first piconet coordinator (PNC); a second PNC; and a plurality of userpiconet devices (DEVs); and wherein: the first PNC and the second PNCtransmit Ultra Wide Band (UWB) pulses to each DEV within the pluralityof DEVs; after receiving its respective UWB pulse, each DEV within theplurality of DEVs transmits a first at least one additional respectiveUWB pulse back to the first PNC and a second at least one additionalrespective UWB pulse back to the second PNC; both the first PNC and thesecond PNC perform ranging of relative position of each DEV within theplurality of DEVs using the time duration of round trip time of therespective transmitted UWB pulse and the first or second at least oneadditional respective received UWB pulse thereby determining distancesbetween the first PNC and the second PNC and each DEV within theplurality of DEVs; based on the ranging of relative position of each DEVof the plurality of DEVs, the first PNC and the second PNC operatecooperatively to group the plurality of DEVs into at least two groupsand also operate cooperatively to identify a corresponding profile foreach group thereby forming a plurality of profiles; and the profile ofeach group governs the communication between the DEVs of that group andeither the first PNC or the second PNC.
 28. The WPAN of claim 27,wherein: one group of the at least two groups that includes a firstplurality of DEVs selected from the plurality of DEVs and the first PNCforms a first piconet; and another group of the at least two groups thatincludes a second plurality of DEVs selected from the plurality of DEVsand the second PNC forms a second piconet.
 29. The WPAN of claim 27,wherein: one group of the at least two groups includes a first pluralityof DEVs selected from the plurality of DEVs and the first PNC; andanother group of the at least two groups includes a second plurality ofDEVs selected from the plurality of DEVs and the first PNC.
 30. The WPANof claim 27, wherein: either the first PNC or the second PNC sets uppeer to peer (p2p) communication between two DEVs of the plurality ofDEVs; either the first PNC or the second PNC identifies a p2p profile togovern communication between the two DEVs that communicate using p2pcommunication; and the p2p profile includes at least one of a data rate,a modulation density, a code having a code rate, and a time frequencycode (TFC).
 31. The WPAN of claim 27, wherein: either the first PNC orthe second PNC operates as a repeater for the p2p communication betweenthe two DEVs of the plurality of DEVs.
 32. The WPAN of claim 27,wherein: one of the profiles includes at least one of a data rate, amodulation density, a code having a code rate, and a time frequency code(TFC).
 33. The WPAN of claim 27, wherein: a first group of the at leasttwo groups includes DEVs of the plurality of DEVs that are relativelycloser to either the first PNC or the second PNC than DEVs of theplurality of DEVs that are in a second group; a first profile thatgoverns the communication between the DEVs of the first group and eitherthe first PNC or the second PNC includes at least one of a first datarate, a first modulation density, a first code having a first code rate,and a first time frequency code (TFC); and a second profile that governsthe communication between the DEVs of the second group and either thefirst PNC or the second PNC includes at least one of a second data rate,a second modulation density, a second code having a second code rate,and a second TFC.
 34. The WPAN of claim 33, wherein: the first data rateis greater than the second data rate.
 35. The WPAN of claim 33, wherein:the first modulation density is of a higher order than the secondmodulation density.
 36. The WPAN of claim 33, wherein: the first coderate is higher than the second code rate.
 37. The WPAN of claim 27,wherein: the UWB pulses are generated using a frequency band of a UWBfrequency spectrum that spans from 3.1 Giga-Hertz (GHz) to 10.6 GHz. 38.The WPAN of claim 37, wherein the UWB frequency spectrum is divided intoa plurality of frequency bands; and each frequency band of the pluralityof frequency bands has a bandwidth of 500 Mega-Hertz (MHz).
 39. AWireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) management method, the methodcomprising: determining distances between a piconet coordinator (PNC)and each user piconet device (DEV) of a plurality of DEVs within a WPAN;based on the distances between the PNC and each DEV of the plurality ofDEVs, grouping the plurality of DEVs into at least two groups of DEVs;assigning a corresponding profile for each group of DEVs that governsthe communication between the DEVs of that group of DEVs and the PNCsuch that each DEV of the plurality of DEVs has a respective profileassignment; for each group of DEVs, supporting communication between theDEVs of that group of DEVs and the PNC; monitoring relative positions ofeach DEV of the plurality of DEVs with respect to the PNC; and based ona change in position of at least one DEV of the plurality of DEVs withrespect to the PNC, modifying the profile assignment that corresponds tothe at least one DEV whose position has changed.
 40. The method of claim39, wherein: the modifying the profile assignment that corresponds tothe at least one DEV whose position has changed includes changing theprofile assignment from a first profile assignment corresponding to afirst of the at least two groups to a second profile assignmentcorresponding to a second of the at least two groups.
 41. The method ofclaim 39, wherein: the determining of the distances between the PNC andeach DEV of the plurality of DEVs within the WPAN is performed usingtriangulation that involves using the relative locations of at least twoDEVs and the PNC with respect to one another.
 42. The method of claim39, wherein: the determining of the distances between the PNC and eachDEV of the plurality of DEVs within the WPAN is performed using GlobalPositioning System (GPS) functionality contained within the PNC and alsowithin each DEV of the plurality of DEVs within the WPAN.
 43. The methodof claim 39, further comprising: using the PNC to sets up peer to peer(p2p) communication between two DEVs of the plurality of DEVs;determining a distance between the two DEVs of the plurality of DEVs;supporting communication between the two DEVs of the plurality of DEVsusing a first profile when the distance between the two DEVs of theplurality of DEVs is less than a predetermined distance; and supportingcommunication between the two DEVs of the plurality of DEVs using asecond profile when the distance between the two DEVs of the pluralityof DEVs is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance.
 44. Themethod of claim 39, wherein: a first group of the at least two groupsincludes DEVs of the plurality of DEVs that are relatively closer to thePNC than DEVs of the plurality of DEVs that are in a second group; afirst profile that governs the communication between the DEVs of thefirst group and the PNC includes at least one of a first data rate, afirst modulation density, a first code having a first code rate, and afirst time frequency code (TFC); and a second profile that governs thecommunication between the DEVs of the second group and the PNC includesat least one of a second data rate, a second modulation density, asecond code having a second code rate, and a second TFC.
 45. The methodof claim 44, wherein: the first data rate is greater than the seconddata rate.
 46. The method of claim 44, wherein: the first modulationdensity is of a higher order than the second modulation density.
 47. Themethod of claim 44, wherein: the first code rate is higher than thesecond code rate.
 48. The method of claim 39, wherein: the determiningof the distances between the PNC and each DEV of the plurality of DEVswithin a WPAN is performed by: the PNC transmitting a respective UltraWide Band (UWB) pulse to each DEV within the plurality of DEVs; afterreceiving its respective UWB pulse, each DEV within the plurality ofDEVs transmits at least one additional respective UWB pulse back to thePNC; and the PNC performs ranging of relative position of each DEVwithin the plurality of DEVs using the time duration of round trip timeof the respective transmitted UWB pulse and the at least one additionalrespective received UWB pulse thereby determining the distances betweenthe PNC and each DEV within the plurality of DEVs.
 49. The method ofclaim 48, wherein: wherein the UWB pulses are generated using afrequency band of a UWB frequency spectrum that spans from 3.1Giga-Hertz (GHz) to 10.6 GHz; the UWB frequency spectrum is divided intoa plurality of frequency bands; and each frequency band of the pluralityof frequency bands has a bandwidth of 500 Mega-Hertz (MHz).
 50. AWireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) management method, the methodcomprising: determining locations of a piconet coordinator (PNC) andeach user piconet device (DEV) of a plurality of DEVs within a WPANusing Global Positioning System (GPS); wherein the PNC includes GPSfunctionality; wherein each DEV of a plurality of DEVs includes GPSfunctionality; communicating information corresponding to the locationsof each DEV of a plurality of DEVs to the PNC; based on the locations ofeach DEV of a plurality of DEVs with respect to the PNC, grouping theplurality of DEVs into at least two groups; assigning a correspondingprofile for each group that governs the communication between the DEVsof that group and the PNC; and for each group, supporting communicationbetween the DEVs of that group and the PNC.
 51. The method of claim 50,wherein: the communicating of the information corresponding to thelocations of each DEV of a plurality of DEVs to the PNC is performedafter every elapse of a predetermined period of time.
 52. The method ofclaim 50, further comprising: using the PNC to sets up peer to peer(p2p) communication between two DEVs of the plurality of DEVs; usinginformation corresponding to the location of the two DEVs of theplurality of DEVs, determining a distance between the two DEVs of theplurality of DEVs; supporting communication between the two DEVs of theplurality of DEVs using a first profile when the distance between thetwo DEVs of the plurality of DEVs is less than a predetermined distance;and supporting communication between the two DEVs of the plurality ofDEVs using a second profile when the distance between the two DEVs ofthe plurality of DEVs is greater than or equal to the predetermineddistance.
 53. The method of claim 50, wherein: a first group of the atleast two groups includes DEVs of the plurality of DEVs that arerelatively closer to the PNC than DEVs of the plurality of DEVs that arein a second group; a first profile that governs the communicationbetween the DEVs of the first group and the PNC includes at least one ofa first data rate, a first modulation density, a first code having afirst code rate, and a first time frequency code (TFC); and a secondprofile that governs the communication between the DEVs of the secondgroup and the PNC includes at least one of a second data rate, a secondmodulation density, a second code having a second code rate, and asecond TFC.
 54. The method of claim 53, wherein: the first data rate isgreater than the second data rate.
 55. The method of claim 53, wherein:the first modulation density is of a higher order than the secondmodulation density.
 56. The method of claim 53, wherein: the first coderate is higher than the second code rate.
 57. The method of claim 50,wherein: the PNC detects a change in position of at least one DEV of theplurality of DEVs that has been grouped into a first group; and based onthe change in position of the at least one DEV of the plurality of DEVs,grouping the at least one DEV of the plurality of DEVs into a secondgroup.
 58. The method of claim 50, further comprising: detecting achange in position of at least one DEV of the plurality of DEVs that hasbeen grouped into a first group and assigned a first profile to governthe communication between the at least one DEV of the plurality of DEVsand the PNC; and based on the change in position of the at least one DEVof the plurality of DEVs, assigning a second profile to govern thecommunication between the at least one DEV of the plurality of DEVs andthe PNC.